Dhaka, 21 June 2024- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh departed for New Delhi today on a pivotal two-day state visit, accepting an invitation extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit marks a significant milestone as the first bilateral trip by a foreign prime minister to India since the formation of the new government.

The departure took place at 2 pm local time from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport aboard a special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her accompanying delegation are expected to arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi at 4 pm local time.

Upon arrival, Prime Minister Hasina will be warmly received by a high-level delegation from the Indian government, along with the Bangladesh Ambassador to India, Mostafizur Rahman.

This visit follows closely on the heels of Prime Minister Hasina's attendance at Narendra Modi's third consecutive oath-taking ceremony on June 8. The current bilateral visit has been planned and finalized in political circles of both nations following her re-election for a fourth consecutive term.

According to the Prime Minister's Press Wing, the agenda for this visit includes discussions at the highest levels between the two countries, as well as the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will receive a formal reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. This will include an armed salute, inspection of the guard of honor, playing of national anthems, and an official photograph with the President of India. Prime Minister Hasina will lay a wreath and sign the visitors' book at Mahatma Gandhi's mausoleum at Raj Ghat. She will hold an official meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, followed by a private meeting between the two leaders and a delegation-level discussion. A press briefing and signing of MoUs and agreements between the two countries are scheduled. A state lunch will be hosted in honor of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Hasina at her residence on the first day of the visit. She will also meet with Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at his secretariat in the afternoon. Prime Minister Hasina will have a private meeting with Indian President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to return to Dhaka on Saturday afternoon local time, concluding her two-day state visit to India.

This visit underscores the enduring ties and mutual interests between Bangladesh and India, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and collaboration across various sectors.